Quality Homes Blog

Concrete stamping is one of the ways you can decorate your concrete and give it an excellent finish. There are many steps involved in stamping concrete, and everything has to happen within a short time window to achieve a lasting result. Unlike other means of decorating concrete such as staining or coating which can be done anytime, concrete stamping has to be done as quickly as possible before the freshly poured concrete hardens. This is why it requires expert contractors who have been stamping for years to handle it. Here, we discuss how to stamp your concrete and tips to guide you in doing it.

Apply the Color Hardener:

Once your concrete has reached the right state of plasticity, i.e., when there is no more bleed water on the concrete surface, apply color hardener all over the concrete. The application is simple as all you have to do is throw the powder on the concrete. Do it in such a way that it spreads all over without a concentration of color hardener in one area where other areas have nothing. You should apply the color hardener in two layers. The first layer should be given some time for the concrete to absorb it before you apply another layer. The essence of applying double layers is to ensure that no part of your concrete is missed.

Add Release Agents:

Release agents could be liquid or powdered. They serve two primary purposes. The first is that they add color contrast on the concrete while the second is that they also act as bond breakers which will prevent the stamping mat from sticking to the concrete when the stamping begins. When applying the powdered form, use a brush to absorb the powder and flick it over the concrete for it to spread evenly. For the liquid, it is best to use a spray, and it should be done just before you start stamping the concrete. Where you’re using a tinted liquid release agent, apply it a day or two before you stamp the concrete.

Test Your Concrete:

You need to determine if your concrete is ready before you stamp it. Determining the readiness of concrete is essential. The concrete must have reached the perfect plasticity level. It must not be too hard that making imprints on it would be difficult or too soft that it cannot support the weight of the workers. Test the concrete by pressing your finger into the surface, if you make an imprint that is about 1/4 inches deep, then, the time is right. You can also place the stamp on the surface and stand on it, if it supports your weight without sinking deep or sliding around, you can start stamping.

Pretexture The Perimeter of the Concrete Slab:

Do this with a flex mat or texturing skin along the edges for between 6 to 12 inches inward. Doing this will prevent your tool from overlapping, and you’ll be able to depress the entire concrete.

Place the Stamps:

The first row of stamps is most important because once you get that, you have to follow the sequence. It is best to use the sequence suggested by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

Stamping concrete is a fantastic way of decorating concrete. What makes it even better is that you can do it yourself in some instances. For even more tips and tricks about stamped concrete Concrete Contractors Denver CO.

Hawaii offers excellent real estate choices and opportunities for potential homeowners. It offers all the tropical bounties that one may need. From the sunshine to the islands and beaches. Real estate in this state is quite expensive because interests in it are not limited to the United States of America. People from Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Hong Kong are also active buyers in Hawaii’s real estate market.

If you are thinking of moving to Hawaii or buying real estate there, one of the choices you have to make is what type of home you would be buying. The option can be between a condo and a townhouse. People have various reasons why they prefer one to the other, and new homeowners usually have to experience the headache of comparing both in relation to the market before buying. In this article, we make a comparison for you. All you have to do is read through and make your decision.

The Difference Between Condo and Townhouse

A condominium is a residential unit with a building that has a collection of other residential units. When you purchase a condo, you are buying your unit, which you have sole ownership of, and joint ownership of the building with all its amenities such as a driveway, parking lot, pool, elevator, etc. with other people in the condo.

A townhouse is an individual property that may share walls with the adjacent home. When you buy a townhouse, the ownership of the property and the land belong solely to you. Thus, it is similar to a single-family home except for the walls you may share with other houses.

The terms townhouse and condo refer more to the home’s ownership structure and rights rather than the architecture.

What is the Better Purchase in Hawaii?

According to a report, over 60% of those living in Oahu reside in a condo home, and a condo home is considered a modern lifestyle. The sole reason for this is the limited space in Hawaii and the development opportunities that condo offers. That said, here is a comparison of both structures using a number of factors:

Homeowner Association

Condos and townhouses both have homeowner associations in charge of maintaining the common spaces in the building. For a condo, the homeowner association is usually in charge of maintaining the whole structure and amenities since everything is a shared space apart from your indoor living space. This usually means paying more HOA fees than you will pay in a townhouse where the shared space is minimal. Some homeowner’s associations in the condo also have rules that restrict certain things such as pets, smoking in shared areas, parking restrictions, etc.

Privacy and Space

Depending on the structure, a condo can offer you space and privacy. But this cannot be compared with what you will get in a townhouse where you have your own exclusive area.

Amenities

Most condos come with various state of the art amenities such as gym, swimming pool, sports facilities, and many features shared by all. It is rare to have these amenities in a townhouse, which means you have to do it yourself.

Financing and Resale

Obtaining financing for a condo in Hawaii is a very tricky process due to these condos’ unique characteristics. You may have to pay higher interest to get the funding. Selling your condo may also be difficult, especially if the HOA is not so active, and the building is in disrepair. If they are and the building is in great condition, you are in luck. Since you’re in charge of maintaining your property, the resale value is always in your hand for a townhouse.

Conclusion

Figuring out which works for you is a personal decision you’ll have to make based on suitability and finances. All in all, there is no clear winner as they both have advantages and agencies.